Suspension Link Sensor Placement for Accurate Axle Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle suspension systems, especially for work vehicles on uneven ground, undesired movements of the link element can compromise the accuracy of sensor measurements, as these movements are not accounted for in the current designs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle suspension link device with a sensor element attached to a virtual straight axis joining the connection loci to the vehicle support structure and axle, ensuring that rotational movements about this axis do not affect the sensor measurements, with optional features like a bracket for secure attachment and spherical bearings for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor element is attached to the link element at a conventional location, then the sensor can detect link element movements, but undesired rotational movements of the link element cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual straight axis as an intermediary geometric reference that connects the first and second connection loci. By positioning the sensor attachment point on this virtual axis, the system creates a mediator that transforms the relationship between the link element's rotational movements and the sensor's measurement point, causing rotational movements to produce zero displacement at the sensor location while preserving sensitivity to desired axial movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by considering the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of connection loci and defining a virtual axis in 3D space. This geometric construction allows the sensor to be positioned at a specific location where rotational degrees of freedom do not affect measurement, while linear degrees of freedom remain detectable. The virtual axis serves as a dimensional reference that separates desired from undesired movement components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the link element allows small extent of unwanted movements for adaptation to uneven ground, then the suspension system can accommodate terrain variations, but these movements are erroneously detected by the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the movement detection function by positioning the sensor to detect only movements along the virtual axis direction, while rotational movements about the axis are excluded from detection. This segmentation separates the desired measurement function (axial displacement for axle movement detection) from the undesired function (rotational detection), allowing the link element to rotate freely for terrain adaptation without affecting measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension link device including a link element with a first and a second connection locus, for connection of the link element to a vehicle support structure and to a vehicle axle respectively, and a sensor element for detecting a movement of the link element, the sensor element being attached to the link element at an attachment point located on a virtual straight axis joining the first connection locus and the second connection locus.